Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Umar Audu
Published on 2024-02-20 21:00:52
The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has announced a plan to disburse a N4.2 billion intervention fund to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and vulnerable households in the state. This intervention is part of the administration’s efforts to ease the burdens caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
In an interview with TVC News, Mr. Sani highlighted the importance of working with organized labor, market women, and NGOs to prevent uprisings in Kaduna State. His previous experience as a civil rights activist has allowed him to form strong partnerships with various groups in the state.
Anticipating potential challenges, Mr. Sani signed an Executive Order on Financial Inclusion, aiming to bring 2.5 million vulnerable and underserved individuals back into the financial services sector. Additionally, the administration has organized 4200 SMEs in Kaduna State and plans to support them with palliatives worth about N4.2 billion in the next week. This support will directly benefit vulnerable households and small businesses that have been identified by the government.
Since the signing of the Executive Order on Financial Inclusion, over 1.5 million people have been reintegrated into the financial sector in Kaduna state. The governor emphasized the joint effort of stakeholders, including organized labor, market women, people living with disabilities, smallholder farmers, religious leaders, and community leaders in implementing this initiative.
Mr. Sani highlighted the proactive approach of Kaduna State, stating that the administration holds town halls to receive direct input from the people before making decisions that affect them. The emphasis on open governance has led to a budget allocation of N22 billion for agriculture, the first of its kind in the history of Kaduna. This allocation was based on direct input from the people, demonstrating the government’s commitment to aligning with the needs and priorities of the population.
Overall, the governor’s focus on collaboration with various stakeholders and the transparent, participatory approach to governance has garnered support from organized labor and the wider community in Kaduna State. By proactively addressing the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidy and providing targeted support to vulnerable households and SMEs, the administration is taking significant steps to mitigate the impact of economic changes on the people of Kaduna.
This intervention fund is an essential step in ensuring the resilience and livelihoods of SMEs and vulnerable households in Kaduna State, setting an example of responsive and inclusive governance.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
